Happy hugger

Happy hugger

FACTBOX

SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE

Worakorn "Lucky" Thanyananthima is also known as HugMan. The 33-year-old Surin native has made it his life mission to give strangers free hugs in the hope of promoting world peace. Since Jan 21 is National Hug Day in the US when participants offer free hugs to family members, friends and strangers alike, we talk to Lucky to learn what it's like to offer free hugs all year round. You can follow him at facebook.com/LuckyHugman.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING HUGMAN.

While working an office job as a civil engineer, I started questioning the purpose of my life. I wondered what I was born to do and what I could give to the world. This went on for about five years. I came to realise that I wanted to go down in history as someone who did something significant, but I didn't know what I could do to get there. One day while visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, I came across a book called Chicken Soup for the Soul. It dawned on me that I could contribute through hugging and people would remember me for it. I'm also fond of superheroes and have called myself HugMan since last May.

WHAT'S YOUR GOAL AS HUGMAN?

My first goal is to give one million hugs to one million people.

HOW DOES HUGGING PROMOTE WORLD PEACE?

I think of hugging as communication through physical touch that transcends language barriers. Through contact, the hugger and the hugged transfer good wishes and love towards each other without having to say a word. Hopefully people who have been hugged in this way will go on hugging others in their circle of friends and family or even strangers. One hug can inspire countless more, thus making the world a better place.

WHAT WAS IT INITIALLY LIKE TO OFFER FREE HUGS IN PUBLIC?

I felt very awkward about it. I first went home to hug my parents to gain some confidence after I hadn't hugged them for so long. Luckily, I later found other volunteers who joined me in giving free hugs and it became easier.

HAVE THERE BEEN ANY PARTICULARLY MEMORABLE HUGS?

During the first hugging session, it rained a lot. We had to find shelter and came out of it to give hugs after the rain stopped. It wasn't going smoothly. But while we were hiding from the rain, a foreigner took notice of us and walked to us to offer us hugs. This really boosted our morale.

ANY ADVICE FOR POTENTIAL FREE HUGGERS?

Just do it. When you find what you like to do and believe in, just go out and make it happen. There's no need to wait until you feel you're ready.

WHERE DO YOU OFFER FREE HUGS?

Most of the time, I go to Chatuchak Weekend Market to offer hugs. However, if you see me on the street, just come to me and let's hug. G

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